thar*desert.life

In the north-west corner of India, I traversed the Thar Desert and met with the locals of the small town of Tanot, a small enclave about 5 kilometers from the Pakistani border. The inhabitants here are mostly camel herders and although Indian by birth, they are followers of Islam and speak a different dialect of Hindi.

myanmar*monks.nuns

Myanmar hosts one of the most thriving Buddhist cultures in the world. Monks and nuns begin their studies at a young age at monasteries throughout the country. For most, a chance to attend a Buddhist school is to be lifted from poverty.

florida*cattlemen

Few know that Florida is home to the first cowboys in the Americas. When the Spanish Conquistadors arrived, they brought their cattle with them. It was the early settlers that tamed the wild herds after the Spanish departed. Florida is one of the top producers of beef in the United States with four of the top ten ranches located within the state. These images are from Ward Ranch in Limestone as well as on the Seminole Indian Reservation in Big Cypress.

myanmar*inle

Inle Lake is in central Myanmar and home to the Shan Hill People. A small community of fisherman and local traders live in the township and there are many "floating" villages throughout the region. Fisherman here have developed a unique way of maneuvering while fishing. Known as "legrowing" the fisherman use their legs as an extension of their oars to keep from making noise and scaring fish away.

chennai*color

The colors of india are always present. Outside of the city of Chennai, I visited a few small fishing villages and the temple town of Mahabalipuram. Each year pilgrims flock to temples and in turn local tourist attractions appear.

baja*mexico

Though just across the US border, Baja is a stark contrast when compared with its northern neighbor. If you choose the dusty roads over the blacktop, a culture of time-enhanced landscape and hospitality emerges.

kerela*fishermen

Fisherman in Kerela use hand-built boats to set their nets a few hundred meters from shore. Fisherman have been harvesting these waters for centuries using the same techniques.

serbia*peoples

Serbia is a land rich in history. 17 Roman emperors were born within its borders. As with much of the Balkan states, poverty has enveloped the region. Serbians hold their culture close to their hearts and are proud of their heritage. The people here have been hardened by war and difficult economics, but their hospitality runs deep.

mandalay*monastery

Through an time-worn gateway in central Mandalay, I stumbled upon a courtyard where an ancient temple once stood. All that is left is a field and a few large crumbling statues of Buddha. I saw an old building and decided to explore its surroundings. I befriended a young boy who was the caretaker of the property. This small building was actually a small monastery that had been converted into a make-shift warehouse to recondition the arts from the fallen temple. Inside lived two monks, the boy and the monk's caretakers (women).

sri.lanka*tea

In the highlands of Sri Lanka's tea region, locals have a developed a unique relationship with the plantation owners as well as the tea itself. Women pick the tea leaves while men act as the accountants and labor management. A local invited me into his home for an afternoon tea with his son. Situated atop a small hill, the only heat was provided by fire. The hospitality in Sri Lanka is reminiscent of the old world.

florida*freedive

One breath of air is all that is provided for free divers as they descend into the deep blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico. These photos are from the Blackthorn Wreck, a 180ft (50m) coast guard vessel that was skuttled 25 miles off the coast of Clearwater, Florida

mandalay*craftsmen

Mandalay is the crafts making capital of Myanmar. In the stone carving district, young boys learn at an early age how to create masterpieces depicting the image of Buddha. Monasteries throughout the country commission work for statues and other religious representations.

kathmandu*various

abandoned*west

The road from Las Cruces to Marfa is scattered with remnants of a time when backroads were commonplace for the American touristers of the 1950s and 1960s. Abandoned petrol stations, cafes and hotels emerge from a forgotten sunburnt landscape.

nepal*castes

In the town of Pokhara in western Nepal, I discovered a quarry next to the river that runs through the old town. The quarry was full of women who were filling 50k (110lbs) bags of sand to sell to the local cement company. These bags are hauled by the women up a steep ravine and are valued at 23 cents per load.

The women and children from this site are members of the lowest caste in Nepal. Part of the laborers caste, the children will never attend school or learn a vocational trade.

india*holymen

Religion in India can be found in every aspect of common life. Holy Men flock to temple cities to offer blessings as well as to earn a living. The streets are scattered with their colors and personalities.

hampi*police

The temple town of Hampi was once one of the wealthiest cities in the world. Travelers from around the globe would come to see the vast temple sites and participate in religious ceremony. Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is host to many political events. During my stay, I was lucky enough to pass through police training for a particular event. These photos capture the seriousness of the police force during festive times.